Engel & Völkers
Elegant white corner building with historic architecture, featuring arched ground floor entrances, decorative balconies, and a distinctive rounded corner tower, set on a tree-lined street with parked cars and cyclists

Creative financing real estate: the new norm?

The financial crisis of 2008 was a game-changer. Many countries had to reassess their mortgage approval processes. With these changes came a new attitude to property investments and, in particular, how they’re financed. This has led to a resurgence of alternative financing options as people increasingly seek out creative financing ideas. As a result, creative financing real estate is no longer a synonym for creative accounting; it’s a smart way to access the best property deals.

Close-up view of hands in business attire signing a formal document with a pen, showing detailed view of the signature process on white paper

What are home construction loans and when should you get one?

Whether you want to take on a new challenge, like the idea of living in a home exactly tailored to you, or are simply having trouble finding something you love in your area, your thoughts may have turned to construction. Building your own home is a way to ensure you can move into your ideal place. However, it does come with a whole different kind of financing – the home construction loan.

A bright and inviting living room with a gray sofa, wooden furniture, and a variety of potted plants. A hanging plant in the foreground adds depth, while bookshelves and natural light from the window create a warm, homely atmosphere.

Your guide to student accommodation investment

The student housing market is heating up in german university towns, with investors racing to finance new purpose-built developments. If you’re interested in a high-yield student accommodation investment, here are a few considerations.

Bright, modern interior with white walls, large windows, and a dining table. A fireplace and seating area are visible in the background.

Old house, new house: which is the better investment?

When it comes to buying a house, some prefer period charm and eclectic detailing, while others seek out efficient appliances and that pristine, move-in condition. We've mapped out the advantages and potential investment concerns of both. Here’s what to look out for when navigating the 'old house, new house' debate.

Rolling hills in Tuscany at sunrise, with soft light illuminating a farmhouse surrounded by cypress trees and lush fields.

A second home in southern Europe

Good reasons for having a second home in Bella Italia or lively Spain. The warm climate, only a few days of rain each year, and fresh Mediterranean air right on your doorstep! All of this is possible in Spain and Italy. Characterised by millennia-old culture, impulsive cities and internationally renowned cuisine, these two countries are ideal if you are looking for a holiday home abroad. In this article, you can find out which regions are most popular and where to invest in a second home. You will also learn about the regulations and requirements that apply when buying property in Spain or Italy.

Bright living room with a yellow sofa, blue chairs, and a large white bookshelf filled with records and books. A wooden table and chairs are nearby.

Apartment, penthouse, loft ... What are the different types of apartments?

Not all apartments are the same: If you are planning to move and buy a property, you should familiarize yourself with the different types of apartments and their characteristic features by now at the latest. A spacious apartment, a loft in a former factory where artists run their studios, a penthouse apartment in the heart of a trendy metropolis or would you prefer a 3-room apartment by a park? The choice could be easier. Your real estate agent Engel & Völkers Germany presents the different types of apartments to make your purchase decision easier.

Modern luxury home with a pool overlooking the ocean. Lounge chairs on a wooden deck.

Improving Your Prowess as a Private Property Investor

Real estate has always been a significant avenue to building wealth. Investing in either residential or commercial property can yield stable cash flow,potential for growing your capital, and diversification, all of which are attractive to large portfolios. In addition, directly investing in real estate gives greater control of the risk profile, ownership structure, and business model. Furthermore, a property is something you can touch and experience, meaning that it is often a more emotional pursuit than stocks or bonds.

Wooden boardwalk leads to a brick lighthouse with a green roof, atop a grassy dune under a bright sky.

When is a holiday home deemed a second residence?

A holiday home on the Baltic Sea or a weekend retreat in the countryside for own use are generally to be regarded as second residences. If, on the other hand, the holiday home is used exclusively for rental purposes, it is definitely not a second residence. In fact, an investment in holiday property can become a commercial property when certain income limits are reached. In both cases, the question of whether this constitutes a second residence is easy to answer. The situation is different if the property owners use their holiday home for themselves on weekends or during holidays and rent it out during the rest of the year.

Contemporary luxury villa with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, infinity swimming pool, wooden deck terrace, outdoor lounge furniture, and panoramic ocean views with mature trees and cloudy sky backdrop

4 great places to buy a holiday home in Europe

Buying a house anywhere, even if it's for the relaxing pursuit of a holiday, is a financial investment. That's why you should be looking for the best place to buy a holiday home based on market trends, gathering all the information you can before investing in a property.There are some upcoming hotspots around Europe you should be looking if you're considering a second home, combining everything you could possibly want from your holiday with a solid investment in real estate.

Contact

Contact your personal advisor

Professional in a gray suit and white shirt smiling confidently while holding a smartphone, standing in front of classical white buildings with arched windows and elegant architectural details.
Professional woman in a beige business suit and white blouse walking confidently in an urban environment, with wind-swept hair and carrying a leather portfolio, against a blurred city background.

Engel & Völkers Germany

Vancouverstraße 2a

20457 Hamburg, Germany

Tel: +49 40 361310